City states that residents cannot directly remove a ward councillor

The City of Johannesburg affirms that it has not received any complaints regarding Ward 88’s councillor.

Councillor David Hensman of Ward 88 has been at the centre of being angrily judged on social media posts related to and directed at him.

There have been calls from residents in his ward and ward committee to have him removed from his position.

This is due to the many issues they have with him, mainly his methods of communication.

With such accusations, the Northcliff Melville Times investigated issues around residents removing a ward councillor.

The office of the chief whip said they have not received any complaints or calls for the removal of David Hensman.

They went on to say that councillors can only be removed for breaching the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

According to the office, residents are able to submit a complaint against a counsellor through the office of the chief whip but this does not guarantee removal.

Furthermore, only the MEC or political party can remove a serving ward councillor.

The office stated that it is not possible for residents to directly remove a ward councillor.

There is a legislated process in place for the removal of a ward councillor. This process consists of the councillor being referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee.

That committee will then consider the report and decide whether the findings against the councillor are valid.

If found valid, the report is sent to the council and reviewed.

If council approves of the findings it is then sent to the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to make a final decision regarding the councillor’s removal.

The office is reminding residents that the only time they can remove a ward councillor is during the local elections, which take place every five years.

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